WHAT IS A DIGITAL FOOTPRINT?

It is important for our students to understand the concept of a digital footprint. I always thought the analogy of stepping or writing your name in wet cement. Once that cement dries, the footprint is there forever. The web is the same, only that it dries instantly. Here is a basic wikipedia definition that you might find helpful.

According to Wikipedia, there are two types of digital footprints. The first one is the active digital footprint. Wikipedia defines active digital footprint as: "personal data released deliberately by a user for the purpose of sharing information about oneself by means of websites and social media."

The second type of digital footprint is the passive digital footprint. "A passive digital footprint is created when data is collected without the owner knowing."

In regards to the passive digital footprint, it is important to let our students know that the Internet is the worlds eyes watching what we post. At any second, they could take a picture of screen shot of what we post and use it in ways that may be harmful to our reputation as a member of society.

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